Friday, August 3, 2012
Love My Blogging Community
For the last six weeks, I have been participating in a summer Bible study at church. We have been working our way through a Bible study called, “Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break” by, Kelly Minter. It is such an amazing study and God has been using it to show me what He has put on my heart to do by way of ministry. God is teaching me that, “Sometimes obedience simply means showing up” and being willing to do whatever God has asked me to do! If you are looking for a good study to do this fall, I would highly recommend that you check this one out.
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Another theme throughout the book of Nehemiah that I have been learning about is the importance of community. I have learned that everyone has a vital part to play in the communities that they are involved in. It has been cool to watch God show me the different communities that I am apart of on a daily basis.
Hands down, one of my favorite communities is my blogging community!!
I am so thankful to be able to be a part of a community with all of you! When I began this blog I was doing it for myself, so that I could have a way to document my struggles with weight loss and maintenance. However, God has taken this blog and used it in ways that I never imagined! I enjoy reading your comments, emails, and interacting with you on Facebook and Twitter. I am thankful that many of you trust me enough to share your own weight loss stories and struggles with me. I want you to know that I do pray for you and will continue to do so as long as you need it.
Because we are all a part of the same community, I feel like I need to remind you of something:
My due date is in 25 days!!
I want you all to know that during this time that I am adjusting to being a new Mom, I will need to put blogging on hold. I do not know that I will stop blogging completely, but at first my posts will be few and far between. I would love to continue to hear from you through comments and email. Please keep in mind that I will not be able to respond to you very quickly, because I am at home busy with a newborn.
I am going to miss blogging so much!! Do not worry though, because I will be back!!
After Olivia is born, I will be on another weight loss journey of my own. I am thankful that I do not have to go on this journey by myself. I am so excited to be able to share my journey with all of you during the coming months!
Even though I will not be blogging as much you can still keep up with me through my Living a Changed Life Facebook page and Twitter. During this time, please pray for me as I adjust to life as a new Mom!!
What communities are you apart of regularly? What can you do to have a positive impact on the communities that you are involved in?
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Posted byJen Newshamat9:07 AM3 comments:
Labels:Bible,God,Personal,Pregnancy
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Recipe Review: Soup or Sauce (S.O.S.) Mix
Today, I want to share with you another amazing recipe that I found on Pinterest!! I have seen this before, but I have never taken the time to calculate the pointsplus values for this recipe. I wish I had taken more of an interest in this recipe in the past, because it probably could have been saving me money for months.
I make a lot of recipes that require cream of chicken and/or cream of mushroom soup. I alwaysuse 98% Fat-Free Cream of Chicken soup, which is about 4 pointsplus for 1 can. I feel like I need toown stock in this product, because I purchase it so often!
I was excited to learn that the recipe below for this S.O.S. Mix is equal to 9 (10.5 oz) cans of cream soup and is only 3 pointsplus per serving!! This recipe is lower in pointsplus values than the 98% Fat-Free Cream of Chicken soup that I normally use. It is also homemade, so there are not any ingredients in this mixture that I did not put there myself.
The real test came when I used it in one of our favorite family recipes. I made Chicken and Rice with this S.O.S. mixture, instead of the cans of soup that I typically use, and it turned out great!! On top of all of that, with the SOSmixture one serving of Chicken and Rice was only 4 pointsplus per serving!
I am excited to continue to use this mixture!!
Ingredients |
Combine all ingredients in a recloseable plastic bag or in a plastic container. |
Shake all ingredients together until completely mixed. |
This is your final product and it is equal to 9 (10.5 oz) cans of cream soup! |
. . . . . . . . . .
Soup or Sauce (S.O.S.) Mix
Source: One Good Thing By Julliee
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Servings: 9
Serving Size: 1/3 cup of dry S.O.S. mix
Calories: 69
Fat: 0.3 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 1.9 g
Old Points: 1 pts
Points+: 3 pts+
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Ingredients
2 cups powdered non-fat dry milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup instant chicken bouillon (regular or low sodium)
2 Tbsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a recloseable plastic bag, mixing well. Equal to 9 (10.5 oz) cans of cream soup.
To substitute for 1 can of cream soup
Combine 1/3 cup of dry mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water. Whisk until well blended. Cook and stir on stove top or in microwave until thickened. Add thickened mixture to casseroles as you would a can of soup.
Store in closed plastic bag or air-tight container until ready to use. It does not have to be refrigerated.
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Posted byJen Newshamat8:20 AM7 comments:
Labels:Pinterest,Recipe,Recipe Review
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Wordless Wednesday: Changing My Lifestyle
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Posted byJen Newshamat8:44 AM2 comments:
Labels:Inspiration,Wordless Wednesday
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Build a Smarter Salad
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In the meeting room this past week we talked about "Building a Smarter Salad".
Did you know that when you dine out at a resturant picking a salad can be a very dangerous choice? Many of you might consider salads "safe", but I am here to tell you that this is not true. Just in case you do not believe me, I am going to give you some examples of what I am talking about.
{Chili's Caribbean Salad with Grilled Chicken}
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This salad sounds appeal with fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, dried cherries, red bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, honey-lime dressing, andgrilled chicken. However, in total for one salad it is 16 pointsplus!
{Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad}
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Like the salad we read about above this sounds very tasty with fresh Asian greens tossed in a tasty Oriental vinaigrette and topped with crispy noodles, toasted almonds and golden fried chicken tenders. However, if you order the regular sized version of this salad with dressing it is 38 pointsplus!
These are just a few examples of salads that are high in pointsplus values. Always be sure to check the nutritional information before dining out, so that you can make the wisest choice possible!
Eating out and ordering a salad might not be the best choice for you. However, enjoying salads at home are a great option. When you make a salad at home YOU choose what goes on top of your salad. This week Weight Watchers encouraged us to look at our choices and make sure that we are building the best salad that we possibly can!
Here are just a few things to remember as you being to build better salads of your own.
1. Fill your plate with 0 pointsplus fruitsand vegetables. Make sure that the majority of your plate is cover with fruits and veggies. These are not going to cost you any pointsplus. In addition, fruits and veggies are going to keep you feeling full and satisfied for a longer amount of time!
2. Try to avoid piling on high pointsplus valuedtoppings. If you enjoy croutons that's great, but is that going to keep you full for the longest amount of time? Maybe choose to top your salad with a protein like chicken instead! Also, you might have three or four favorite toppings to put on your salad. Try using just one or two, so that you can keep the pointsplus values down. Rotating through your favorite toppings each time you have a salad will help you to enjoy them more when you actually get to each them.
3. Beware of high pointsplus valued dressings! When I first started Weight Watchers I refused to give up my fatty dressings, because I enjoyed them so much. However, as I lost weight and had less and less pointsplus values to use each day, I reevaluated my high pointsplus dressings. Finding an alternative was a great option for me, because then I could use those pointsplus values on something else I really wanted!
Everyone is different and what I enjoy on my salad is probably not the same as what you like to eat. That's okay! Take time to build a salad that works just for you!
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Posted byJen Newshamat9:21 AM3 comments:
Labels:Fruits and Veggies,Weekly Meeting Topic,Weight Watchers
Monday, July 30, 2012
A Quick Post
It’s been a busy day already and it is not even lunch time!!I don't have a lot of time to blog, but I wanted to try and touch base with you all.
This morning, I had my weekly doctor’s appointment. Everything with both me and Olivia looks great and I am so thankful that we are healthy!! Just 29 more days until my due date!
Also, I wrote a blog post over at my other blog called, "Filling Empty Arms". If you would like to check it out and read it, please click the link. I wrote it last week and posted it this morning. It explains some of the things that have been on my heart recently.
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Posted byJenniferat11:50 AMNo comments:
Labels:God,Personal,Pregnancy
Friday, July 27, 2012
Recipe Review: Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
This recipe is another one the I found on Pinterest! I pinned it a long time ago, but I have never taken the time to make it. I thought that it would be too high in pointsplus values. This recipe ends up being about 6 pointsplus per sandwich. I thought that might be too high for breakfast, but it has actually done a great job of keeping me full until lunch time. You cannot beat that!
I think that the next time I make it I will try to find an english muffin that is less than 3 pointsplus per muffin. I have been enjoying these for breakfast all week and I cannot wait to make them again! They were not only easy to make, but they taste good too!
The ingredients |
Just grab a muffin tin and spray each spot in the tin with cooking spray. Then crack an egg in each muffin area. Stick these in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes. |
Given that I was making a bunch, I just sliced all of my muffins in half and laid them all out on a baking sheet. After about 10 minutes in the oven (you can toast these at the same time as your eggs are cooking). |
Once everything has been cooked, you just have to piece it all together. |
Take half of a muffin, add some cheese, add an egg, and apply the top half of the muffin. You could hit the sandwich with some pepper if you wanted or even some hot sauce! |
After constructing my sandwiches, I stuck them on a baking sheet and put them all in the freezer, uncovered and unwrapped for about an hour. |
Pull them all out after an hour or two and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and then store them in a freezer safe plastic bag. |
I ended up making 12 breakfast sandwiches that are ready for me to eat later on in the week! |
I reheated mine in the microwave and it tasted great!! |
. . . . . . . . . .
Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
Adapted from: Macheesmo
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Servings: 12
Serving Size: 1 breakfast sandwich
Calories: 367.3
Fat: 10.3 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 20.9 g
Old Points: 7 pts
Points+: 6 pts+
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Ingredients
12 large eggs
8 oz Weight Watchers Mexican Style Shredded Cheese
12 Thomas Hearty Grains English Muffins, 100% Whole Wheat
cooking spray
Instructions
Cooking the Eggs
Just grab a muffin tin and spray each spot in the tin with cooking spray. Then crack an egg in each muffin area. Stick these in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Toasting English Muffins
Given that I was making a bunch, I just sliced all of my muffins in half and laid them all out on a baking sheet. After about 10 minutes in the oven (you can toast these at the same time as your eggs are cooking).
Making the Sandwich
Take half of a muffin, add some cheese, add an egg, and apply the top half of the muffin. You could hit the sandwich with some pepper if you wanted or even some hot sauce! I would never call this Fast Food, but its definitely a fast way to make food.
Now you have two options:
EatImmediately
If you wanted to eat these right away, just stick them back in the oven for 5 or 10 minutes until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted and delicious.
Store for Later
If you want to store these for later, stick all your sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them all in the freezer, uncovered and unwrapped. Leave them in there for about an hour. This will give them a chance to give off some moisture and also freeze a bit. If you were to wrap them up right away then there would be all kinds of liquid that would condense. But don't forget about them or they'll get freezer burned. Pull them all out after an hour or two and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and then store them in a freezer safe plastic bag. They will keep for a few weeks without a problem.
*Tip for Heating (or Reheating)
Oven
From completely frozen to warm and melted, it’ll take about 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Microwave
I heated mine in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Be careful, because with the microwave the muffin can get soggy.
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Posted byJen Newshamat9:00 AM12 comments:
Labels:Pinterest,Recipe,Recipe Review
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Weight Watchers and My Pregnancy - Update
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I blogged about Weight Watchers and My Pregnancy back in February. Since then, I have been receiving emails and comments from many of you who want to know how my weight gain is going. The most recent message I received was from Kristen, who just discovered that she was pregnant herself! This is not the way she thought her weight loss journey was going to go, but she is excited about the new addition to her family.Kristen had one question for me, "Can you offer any advice about how you were able to maintain your health and weight during your pregnancy?"
As I began to write Kristen back, I was shocked at how much I had to write about when it came to my pregnancy and healthy living. So, I've decided to turn my email into a blog post! I hope that this will encourage and help other people like Kristen, whose weight loss journey's are being put on hold for little bundles of joy.
. . . . . . . . . .
Preface
Before I begin, I want to make it very clear that what I am going to write is my opinion. It is NOT the opinion of Weight Watchers or anyone else. I am writing from my own personal perspective and opinion. I am not a professional nutritionist, just a woman trying to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible while I am pregnant.
With that being said, I think I should share with you that OFFICIALLY you cannot follow the Weight Watchers program while you are pregnant. A portion of the Weight Watchers health notice states, "Weight Watchers prohibits participation in its weight loss plan for children under the age of 10, those individuals with an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, those whose weight is less than 5 pounds above the minimum weight of the Weight Watchers Weight Ranges, and during pregnancy." To read the entire Weight Watchers health notice, please click here.
. . . . . . . . . .
Asmany of youalready know the most important thing is for you to eat so that your baby can grow and be healthy. Like I said above, you may not officially follow Weight Watchers while you are pregnant. It is important to check with your doctor to see what he/she recommends that you eat throughout your pregnancy.
I felt like it is important to say these things, because I do not want any of you taking extreme measures to avoid gaining weight during your pregnancy. This is a sacrifice that we make as mother's while we share our body with our unborn child. Above all, it is a privilege to be able to provide for our child in this way.
For me, I could not let go of Weight Watchers completely. Maybe it's because I have been on this plan since 2008 and it has become a way of life for me. Or maybe it isbecause I am a Weight Watchers leader and try to continue to be an example to my members of healthy living.However, for some reason, I just could not let itgo.
Throughout my pregnancy, I have been able to follow the principles of the Weight Watchers program, with permission from my doctor of course.
Exercise - I have been walking and exercising throughout my pregnancy. I walk at least 30 minutes 3- 4 times a week. This has been one of the best things I have done for myself and Olivia! I am 35 weeks pregnant and still have energy to move around and get things done. I think that this has been a result of my exercising. If you are pregnant and you do not exercise, I highly recommend that you get moving!
Good Health Guidelines - I continue to follow the principles of the Weight Watchers plan when it comes to myeating habits as well. I try to fill my day with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and more! I try to eat filling foods that keep me satisfied throughout the day.
Tracking - I have continued to keep track of my daily pointsplus values. It's not so that I will stay within a certain target number, but so that I will know what I am eating throughout the day. I did not want to default back into mindless eating again.
Weigh In - I know that the doctor weighs me in at each and every appointment. However, I have continued to weigh myself once a week to see how much weight I am gaining. This has helped me to know where I am at each week. It's not discouraging, but encouraging to know that I am gaining weight for my baby girl.
Please do not misunderstand me. I have not done this perfectly! I have given in to more cravings and splurges than I would like to admit.According to all the baby books I've read "healthy" weight gain for me is anywhere from 25-35 pounds. I am 35 weeks and so far I have already gained 36 pounds.
I am not frustrated with my weight gain, because I know that this is what Olivia needs from me right now. I am thankful that I have been able to continue my healthy lifestyle throughout my pregnancy, so that I can give my baby girl the healthiest start to life that I possibly can.
Just remember that there are lots of ways to continue to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. These are a few things that worked for me.Always be sure to check with your doctor first!
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Posted byJen Newshamat8:00 AM3 comments:
Labels:Personal,Pregnancy,Weight Watchers
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